• March 16, 2020
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Spain sees spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths

Over 2,000 new infections and more than 100 fatalities were reported in Spain on Sunday, 15 March. The new cases bring the number of infections to 7,753 while the death toll has spiked to 288. Spain is the second most affected country in Europe next to Italy.

Prior to this recent surge in infections, the Spanish government has declared a 15-day state of emergency and ordered a near-total lockdown of the entire nation. All 47 million citizens were asked to remain indoors. Only necessary activities – such as buying medicine or food and going to work – are allowed.

Social gatherings have been prohibited and schools were shut down. Stores selling non-essential items have been ordered to close, including bars and restaurants. Spain has also cancelled Easter processions, events that draw huge crowds and prove vital to the country’s tourist industry.